This tiny USB Stick-format sound card plugs in to a spare USB slot on your machine and is capable of providing audio without the need for a installation CD. That’s because all the software it needs is already contained on the 1GB storage inside the Go.

Other features include:

Weighs less than 20 grams and similar size to a USB stick

Ships with USB extension cable, keyring and earphones with microphone

On-board 1GB storage can be used for file storage and has read/write protection switch

X-Fi tech built-in for surround sound

EAX Advanced HD 4.0 and Open AL support

VoiceFX feature for voice morphing during gameplay

Creative Alchemy software for legacy game surround sound support on Vista

Matthew’s Opinion
I use an external sound card for the multiple machines I have where the on-board sound didn’t cut it. Mine is a large box about the size of an external 2.5″ hard drive connected via a USB extension cable. The X-Fi go looks a lot more convenient.

{ad}The addition of on-board storage and drivers included as part of the device also add to the convenience and you really can’t argue with the price in my opinion. I think a few more connections would have been nice, but that would have upped the size of the stick, which is one of its major selling points for me.